General Assemblies
At METMUN 2024 a General Assembly will consist of approximately 30 positions in each committee. It is the goal of each general assembly committee to debate, vote upon, and pass a resolution to either one or both topics presented in the committee's background guide. There is no crisis component within the GAs at METMUN. These committees are recommended for beginner delegates or delegates looking to sharpen up their debate and collaboration skills.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - The Information Age
Description:
This ITU committee centers on the modern challenges of global communications in an increasingly interconnected world. Founded in 1865, the ITU has evolved to manage the rapid advancement in telecommunications, from the radio to the internet and now artificial intelligence. Delegates will focus on bridging the digital divide by addressing the affordability of telecom and internet access in developing countries and setting a framework for global cyber governance. Critical discussions will cover the impacts of industry privatization, the limitations of the ITU’s regulatory powers, and the introduction of “New IP” frameworks for internet standardization. Delegates will grapple with ethical questions about accessibility, data security, and digital sovereignty while crafting recommendations that balance public and private interests, recognizing the ITU’s historic role in maintaining order amidst technological revolutions.
(Position Paper needed to be considered for an award.)
Topic 1: Addressing Telecom and Internet Affordability in Developing Countries
Topic 2: Expanding the ITU’s Role in Cyber Governance
Chair:
Vice Chair: Vacant
Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN)
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Global Economy
Description:
As artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies advance, they introduce significant questions about global economic stability and labor markets. This ECOFIN committee invites delegates to debate the role of AI in financial markets, from automation in high-frequency trading to the risks associated with autonomous decision-making in banking and investments. Delegates will examine the societal impacts of AI, particularly the potential for labor displacement, and explore strategies for regulating AI to prevent economic disruptions. Topics include the ethical responsibilities of implementing AI, the challenge of managing market volatility, and the importance of safe regulatory frameworks for new technologies. The committee's goal is to draft resolutions that encourage innovation while minimizing risks, focusing on the responsible integration of AI in a global economy that is more interconnected—and more vulnerable—than ever.
